A Very Metal Mother's Day: Where Angels Suffer shows hit town this weekend

May 6, 2011

After some serious ass-kicking shows a few months back, the boys of Where Angels Suffer (W.A.S.) have gathered from their homes across the country to rock Southwest Florida before hitting the mean streets of the Midwest, New England and our neighbors across The Pond in the U.K., hitting Ale Mary’s (16440 S. Tamiami Trail) for two gigs this Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8.

The Sunday show will be additionally special, as it’s a “Metal Mother’s Day” celebration. Instead of the $10 entry fee (a great price for all the rock that will be had), all moms get into the Mother’s Day show free of charge. (With that extra cash in your pocket, walk on down to the merch tables and pick up the group’s latest release, “Purgatory.”)

“We’re now a few weeks into rehearsals and it’s been going really, really great,” said Stet Howland, rockstar drummer of the group, who you may remember from such bands as WASP, Temple of Brutality and The Howlin’ Dogs, among others. “We now have Ira Black on board, from Metal Church, and he’s been great. He’s a great guy, a great player, he’s got a great look. I’ve toured with him in the past, and he’s the perfect addition to our group.”

Originally only about an hour-long set, the daring drummer and the rest of the rockin’ crew have added another 45 minutes or so.

Here’s a little taste of what to expect during their high-metal, hair-thrashing performance.

“We’ll be doing all our own stuff: some WASP stuff and just added some Metal Church,” he said. “It’s about a 20-song set now... about 1.5 hours.”

If you haven’t seen these guys perform yet, you’ll be nothing short of amazed by the talent that emanates from these rockstars’ pores.

Guitarist Chris Holmes alone tosses his guitar around like it’s a toy, all the while strumming some sick licks that just makes you say, “Holy ___!”

“We’re so psyched and just can’t wait to get back on the stage!” Stet said.

Come out this weekend to join Ira Black, Rich Lewis of Cincinnati; Chris Holmes of Los Angeles; Steve Unger of Seattle, Wash.; and, of course, Stet Howland of Fort Myers Beach to hear some great metal tracks from a great metal band.

And, get a copy or two of Where Angels Suffer’s most recent release, “Purgatory,” so you can jam out to these guys at all hours of the day and night, available at all their shows, as well as online.

During the two Ale Mary’s shows this Saturday and Sunday, your ears will also get to enjoy the sounds from some other great local bands.

On Saturday, check out the likes of Rebirth and Gibson Cage, two groups from Charlotte County that Stet says are extremely talented.

And, on Sunday, be sure to come early to enjoy Cape Coral’s Myth, as well as 10,000 Views.

And, as always, the boys of Where Angels Suffer, along with the other great groups, will have a meet-and-greet after the show. Doors open at 8 p.m., music starts at 9.